Midlothian District Scouts is looking for a District Youth Lead to make sure Scouts across the district is shaped by young people aged 4 to 25, and to be their voice in how the district is run.
About the role
Youth Leads are volunteers responsible for driving youth shaped Scouts in their local area. As District Youth Lead you support volunteers across the district, including Section, Group and District Lead Volunteers, to understand why being youth shaped matters and to put it into practice. You are a member of the District Leadership Team alongside the District Lead Volunteer and the District Team Leaders, and a member of the District Trustee Board. Sources: Youth Leads and Roles.
What you’ll do
- Support and encourage volunteers to put the views and ideas of young people at the heart of their section’s programme.
- Make sure young people get regular opportunities to take the lead, including peer leadership and the Young Leaders’ Scheme.
- Champion and encourage participation in the YouShape Award and other top awards.
- Inspire and motivate young people, and make sure they know about all the opportunities open to them in Scouts, including what they can do when they turn 18.
- Make sure young people are at the heart of District Trustee Board decisions, and create opportunities for them to give feedback.
- Work with other Youth Leads and with the Leadership, 14-24, Programme, Volunteering Development, Support and Section Teams to share ideas and work towards a shared vision.
What we’re looking for
Scouts says a Youth Lead can start the role between their 18th and 25th birthdays. Beyond that, the role suits someone who is enthusiastic about giving young people a real say, can work with volunteers of all ages, and is happy to speak up for young people in district decisions. You don’t need to have been a Scout. The role description does not state a time commitment; we can talk through what works for you.
Training and support
District Youth Leads complete Growing Roots (both Core and Manager learning) within 180 days of starting the role, the Trustee Induction, and First Aid training within the previous 3 years. As a member of the District Leadership Team you’ll also complete Leading Scout Volunteers and Being a Scouts Trustee. You’ll have support from the District Lead Volunteer and the wider District Team. See Youth Leads and District Leadership Teams.
Safeguarding
All volunteers complete Safety and Safeguarding learning as part of Growing Roots. All district roles require PVG membership: in Scotland you must join the PVG scheme, and you can’t start the role until your Scouts PVG disclosure has been viewed and approved by the UKHQ Safeguarding Team, even if you hold a PVG for another organisation. We’ll guide you through it. See Criminal record checks in Scotland.
Interested?
Fill in our volunteer enquiry form and mention the District Youth Lead role, or contact Richard Fairbairn, District Lead Volunteer, at richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk. Find out more about volunteering on our Volunteer page.